Bharat Bandh: Traders and Transporters to go on Strike Tomorrow

GUWAHATI: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and the All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA) has called for 'Bharat Bandh' tomorrow (February 26).

The trader's body CAIT called for a nationwide shutdown demanding a review of the Goods and Services Tax GST regime. As per reports, an estimated 40,000 traders' associations across the country have extended their support.

Meanwhile, the Kamrup Chamber of Commerce in a press statement also supported the VYAPAR BANDH called by the CAIT against the new amendment of GST.

It is to be mentioned that the majority of the Chamber of Commerce from different district of Asam has supported the Bandh.

"We strongly condemn the new amendments that are being made in GST and urge the govt to re-consider the decision," reads the statement.

The apex body of road transporters, AITWA has also extended their support to the nationwide strike and called for a 'Chakka jam' tomorrow against the hike in fuel prices. They further demanded to replace the E-Way bill with an e-invoice.

In a statement issued by the CAIT, it has stated that over 8 crore traders belonging to more than 40,000 trade associations across the country will observe the `Bharat Vyapar Bandh` to protest against some of the "draconian, arbitrary and critical" amendments made recently in GST rules.

According to reports, as a mark of protest, the strike will be observed by 1,500 towns and cities and no traders will log in to the GST portal.

The AITWA has urged transport companies to park their vehicles as a symbolic protest and not to book or load any goods.

Some of the other prominent organisations taking part in the bandh are All India FMCG Distributors Association, Federation of Aluminium Utensils Manufacturers Association, Northern India Spices Traders Association, All India Cosmetic Manufacturers Association, All India Women Entrepreneurs Association and All India Computer Dealers Associations.

In a joint statement by the CAIT and AITWA has clarified that they were not approached by any farmers body to join the bandh. They rather stated that the farmers, like traders and transporters, are an important part of the national economy as such immediate measures should be taken to resolve their issues.

Earlier, in December the farmer's body called for a Bharat Bandh against the three contentious farm laws implemented by the Central Government. Though CAIT and AITWA did not participate in the bandh called by the farmers, it was backed by the Opposition parties and trade unions.

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